Advancements in gas phase pollutant removal: A comprehensive study on the sorption of CO2 and SO2 on modified carbon monoliths

Abstract

The synthesis of carbon monoliths using activated carbon treated with phenol-formaldehyde resin has been identified as a promising approach for the removal of pollutants from the gas phase. Monolithic adsorbents were synthesised and modified by adding silica, acid etching, and high temperature activation with CO2. Sorption capacities were determined by CO2 and SO2 adsorption tests. Preliminary findings indicated that the unmodified monoliths exhibited limited porosity. The activation process significantly altered the textural parameters, resulting in an increase in surface area and adsorption and desorption capacity. The modification yielded a monolith with a specific surface area of 598 m2/g and a pore volume of 438 mm3/g. The sorption capacity of the monoliths towards CO2 and SO2 was 1.64 mmol/g and 3.93 mmol/g, respectively. The modifications introduced developed the sorption capacity of the monoliths, enabling the regeneration process and its further use in subsequent measurement cycles.